IndiGo fined ₹40L for conducting pilot training on unapproved simulators
What's the story
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has slapped a fine of ₹40 lakh on IndiGo Airlines. The penalty is for conducting pilot training on simulators not approved for critical airports. Following an investigation into training records, two directors of IndiGo have also been fined ₹20 lakh each. The airline has been directed to pay the penalties within 30 days.
Investigation findings
20 simulators listed in DGCA's order
The DGCA's probe, based on IndiGo's training records and email responses from July 24 to July 31, 2025, found that around 1,700 pilots were trained using Full Flight Simulators (FFS) not approved or qualified for Category C (critical) airports. These include Calicut, Leh, and Kathmandu. The order lists 20 simulators at training centers in Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Greater Noida, Gurugram, and Hyderabad belonging to CSTPL, FSTC, ACAT, and Airbus as "not qualified for Calicut and/or Leh."
Regulatory action
DGCA issued show cause notice to IndiGo
Following these findings, the DGCA issued a Show Cause Notice to IndiGo's Director of Training on August 11, 2025. The notice sought an explanation for the violations. However, IndiGo's response submitted on August 22 was found unsatisfactory by the regulator, leading to penalties being imposed. "You were responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable Civil Aviation Requirements," it said in its order.
Penalty details
Directors can appeal against this decision
Under Rule 162 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and Schedule VI-B (Severity Level 5), the DGCA imposed a penalty of ₹20 lakh each on IndiGo's Director of Training and Director of Flight Operations. Separate demand notices were issued to both directors asking them to deposit their respective penalties in the Bharatkosh government account within 30 days. The notices also stated that IndiGo could appeal against this decision within 30 days by paying a statutory fee of ₹1,000.